Plus, you won’t believe the ultimate fix for your streaming struggles. Also, I helped a husband find the perfect phone for his disabled wife and the top 5 signs you desperately need a new phone. But wait, there’s more — my favorite puns that will have you grinning from ear to ear!
Tax scams 2025: Tricks, tactics and how to stay safe
The phone rings, and it’s an agent from your local IRS office with bad news. Someone filed in your name. But don’t worry, they can help you sort it out in just a few minutes. Now, what’s your Social Security number?
You read my newsletters, so hopefully you read that and thought, “Nope, it’s a scam.” It sure is, and it’s one of the tactics savvy criminals use to fool people into handing over incredibly valuable information.
It happens every year, but advances in tech — like AI voice changers that make someone across the world sound like a guy from your hometown — make these tricks harder and harder to spot. Here’s what you need to know right now.
I find the IRS taxing
Falling for a tax scam could cost you more than just your refund. Here are the most common ways they start:
- Fake communications: It could be an email, text or even social media message. The IRS doesn’t initiate contact about a bill or tax refund that way, and they’ll never ask you to send financial information via text or email.
- Fake “helpers”: If a friendly stranger offers to help you set up an online account at IRS.gov or get your refund faster, they’re scamming you.
- Fake tax preparers: If a tax preparer is unwilling to sign your tax return, they’re breaking the law. Check your preparer’s credentials here.
- Fake tax advice: If someone encourages you to file false tax credits, claim false wages or otherwise lie on your return, it’s not a “smart” hack. That’s illegal. This junk is all over social media.
- Fake charities: You donate to a charity you think is real, but your money and details go to a scammer. And your charitable tax deduction? It won’t count.
Protect yourself
OK, now that you know how they weasel in, let’s talk about how you can keep yourself safe.
Get an Identity Protection PIN: An IP PIN is a six-digit number that replaces your SSN or ITIN on your tax return. Getting one is an extra step every year, but it’s so worth it. It means no one can file a fraudulent return on your behalf, even if they have your SSN. Victims of identity theft are automatically enrolled in this program. Everyone else can apply online.
Use Direct File if you can: Cut out the middleman and file your taxes directly with Uncle Sam. Check here to see if you qualify. It’s available in 25 states.
File using vetted tax software: For Pete’s sake, please don’t Google “cheapest way to file taxes.” Use software that’s tried, tested and approved by the IRS. The top dogs are TurboTax (30% off) and H&R Block (35% off). Get the version that suits your needs, and don’t forget about your state return!
Quick hits
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Secrets to growing your business quickly
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I’m proud to say that I built my multimillion-dollar enterprise with no debt and no investors. It’s rewarding for me to help the many small business owners who call and need a hand getting their company off the ground or breaking past a big hurdle. I’ve been there myself.
ChatGPT talking sex, ex tracking after divorce & make big bucks with email newsletters
🍕 Slice, slice, baby: Pizza Hut is giving away 1 million pizzas for National Book Month. Order online or through the Pizza Hut app, spend at least $8, and use the code BOOKIT40. The offer runs until the end of October … or until the free pizzas run out. This alone is worth the price of my newsletter. Oh, wait, it’s free!
I wasted 36 hours trying to do it myself
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So many of the calls, emails, messages and DMs I get are about privacy and security. I can’t remember the last time I had a full day where no one asked me some version of “How do I get all this info about me off the internet?”
Our favorite cleaning products to get your home sparkling
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Over the next couple of days, the team and I are sharing what you’ve been asking me for all month: Shopping picks! The goal is to take all the dread out of checking all your people off your list.
Some of you will think this is weird, and others will shout, “Me too, Kim!” I love getting my house sparkling clean after Thanksgiving. I put on some tunes, scrub every corner and then the house is ready for Christmas decorations. Here are some tools to make it easier.
10 tech freebies to grab now: Software, phone service, logos and more
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There’s never a dull moment when you own your own business. You don’t report to anyone but are on the hook for all the big decisions. You have complete control over what you spend your money on, but the bills never stop coming. Tap or click for small business tips that will save you money.
Clever tech hack: How to text from your PC or Mac
Texting is fast and easy until it’s not. Maybe your service is terrible, and your messages won’t go through — what a pain. Tap or click for my bright ideas to boost your cell reception.
Try audio messages when you have a long story to tell but no time for a phone call. They can be a lifesaver if your connection is bad, too. Tap or click for steps to send audio messages on iPhone and Android.
A Thanksgiving letter from Kim
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Hello friends,
I hope you’re having a great Thanksgiving Day spending time with the people you love and eating delicious food. Along with watching the parade, having good conversations and slipping into a turkey coma, don’t forget to take a moment to reflect on your own life. I’m sure that there are many wonderful things you are thankful for.
Google smarts: 5 ways to get more out of Gmail, Maps, Calendar, and Docs
Think Big Tech, and I bet Google comes to mind. They control our inboxes, calendars, document storage, cloud storage, routes, and more. Most of their products are free to use, which means you are the product they are selling.
Are hackers in your phone? Here’s how to find out
I’ve heard from many people who have been cyberstalked over the years. Sadly, today’s tech makes it all too easy.
Take Apple AirTags, for example. They’re cheap, small, and easy to hide — and can tell the owner exactly where you are located. Here are six signs to look for if you suspect someone is tracking you this way.
How to stop junk text messages and spam for good
Think about just how many times a day your phone, computer, tablet, watch and other gadgets buzz or ding. It gets annoying and distracting.
Much of that is likely because you haven’t taken the time to clean up your notifications settings. It’s easier than you think with this quick tech fix. While you’re adjusting settings, I bet you’ll find apps you haven’t used in ages. Tap or click for 5 apps you should delete right now.
Car warranty robocalls: Here’s why you get so many
Not long ago, I called a friend. After a few rings, her old-school answering machine answered. “Hello,” I said. “I’m calling today with important news about your car’s extended warranty.”
She picked up immediately and yelled, “Stop calling me!” I had a good laugh, and it’s no wonder that set her off. Auto warranty scam calls have to be the most irritating and intrusive in the history of telemarketing.
Survey: 86% are fed up with Big Tech. Here’s how to get your privacy back
Years ago, we searched the web, bought new gadgets, and typed in our email addresses without much thought. As far as accounts went, “Hey if it’s free, sign me up,” we thought.
Fast forward to now, and you can’t go online or turn on the news without hearing about the control Big Tech has on our lives — and the growing resentment around it.
Sanitize Amazon boxes, Zoombombing, Apple Pay tricks and more: Tech Q&A
Each week, I receive tons of questions from my listeners about tech concerns, new products and all things digital.
Sometimes, choosing the most interesting questions to highlight is the best part of my job. This week, I received questions about deliveries, cash alternatives, private video calls and more.
Practical Tech Tip: How to change your mobile email signature
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You have work to get done, but you’re also running from one errand to another today. So, you do the sensible thing: you reply to emails from your phone.
When you finally get back to a desktop computer, you discover those emails you sent have that pesky “Sent from my iPhone” message at the bottom and it looks unprofessional. Tap or click here to see what today’s email etiquette looks like.
Unsend email, TV fire hazards, scouring Apple TV+ and more: Tech Q&A
Each week, I receive tons of questions from my listeners about tech concerns, new products and all things digital.
Sometimes, choosing the most interesting questions to highlight is the best part of my job.
Kim Komando answers about black hat hackers, VHS archives, smart homes for seniors and more: Tech Q&A
Each week, I receive tons of questions from my listeners about tech concerns, new products and all things digital.
Sometimes, choosing the most interesting questions to highlight is the best part of my job.
Free product samples sent right to you
What’s the best way to test out a new product? Free samples, of course.
A good site to look at for free samples is It’s All Free Online. This site is popular for deals on top brands and contests. The site collects links and instructions to sign up for freebies.
Free PDF file creator that's so easy to use
In the digital world, PDFs meet all of the industry standards for publishing. For example, have you ever emailed a document to someone and had them complain the formatting was all messed up when they opened it? Maybe they couldn’t even open the file because they didn’t have the right program.